Lydia Ko's career has been defined by a series of remarkable achievements, many of which have rewritten the record books for youth in professional golf. From her earliest days as an amateur to her rapid ascent as a professional, Ko consistently demonstrated a talent far beyond her years. This timeline highlights her most significant milestones, showcasing her journey from a young prodigy to a globally recognized figure in the sport. Her story is a testament
to early dedication, exceptional skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has left an indelible mark on golf.
The Amateur Years: Setting Unprecedented Records
Lydia Ko's golf journey began early, with her first media attention coming in March 2005 at the age of seven, when she competed in the New Zealand national amateur championships. Her competitive spirit and talent quickly became evident. On January 29, 2012, at just 14 years old, Ko made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win a professional golf tour event, the Bing Lee / Samsung Women's NSW Open on the ALPG Tour. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Japan's Ryo Ishikawa. However, her record was later broken in the same year by 14-year-old Canadian Brooke Henderson.
Her impact on the LPGA Tour as an amateur was even more profound. On August 26, 2012, at 15 years and four months, Ko became the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA Tour event, securing the CN Canadian Women's Open with a score of 275 (13 under par). This victory broke Lexi Thompson's record and made Ko only the fifth amateur to win an LPGA Tour event, and the first in over 43 years. The $300,000 winner's share for this event went to the runner-up, Inbee Park, as Ko was an amateur. She continued her amateur dominance by successfully defending her CN Canadian Open title in 2013, achieving a five-stroke victory over Karine Icher with a score of 265 (15 under par). By August 2013, she had become the only amateur to win two LPGA Tour events, and she held the top spot in the women's amateur rankings for 130 weeks.
Transition to Professionalism and Immediate Impact
Ko's transition to professional golf was swift and impactful. After finishing runner-up at The Evian Championship in France, she announced on October 23, 2013, that she would turn professional immediately, rather than waiting until 2014 as initially planned. The LPGA Tour recognized her exceptional talent by waiving its age requirement, allowing her to join the tour before turning 18. LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan noted the rarity of welcoming a rookie who was already a two-time LPGA Tour champion. Her professional debut was at the 2013 CME Group Titleholders, where she finished tied for 21st. In November 2013, she began working with swing coach David Leadbetter.
Her first full professional season in 2014 was highly successful. On April 27, 2014, she earned her first LPGA Tour win as a professional and her first on U.S. soil at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, celebrating her 17th birthday during the tournament. She followed this with two more victories: the Marathon Classic in July and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in November. These achievements earned her the LPGA Rookie of the Year award. To mark her first professional LPGA Tour win, she had the date "IV-XXVII-XIV" inscribed on her right wrist.
Continued Success and Global Recognition
Ko's professional career continued to flourish, marked by further milestones and global recognition. On February 2, 2015, at 17 years, 9 months, and 9 days old, she reached number one in the Women's World Golf Rankings, making her the youngest player of either gender to achieve the top ranking in professional golf. Her major championship breakthrough came on September 13, 2015, when she won The Evian Championship in France, becoming the youngest woman, at 18 years, 4 months, and 20 days, to win a major. Her closing round of 63 was a record for the lowest final round in women's golf majors, a record she later lowered with a 62 at the 2021 ANA Inspiration. She won her second consecutive major at the ANA Inspiration on April 3, 2016, becoming the youngest player to win two women's major championships. In 2014, Ko was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, and in both 2014 and 2015, she was included in the EspnW Impact25 list for her influence on women in sports. Her contributions to golf were further recognized in December 2018 when she was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and in the 2025 New Year Honours, she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, believed to be the youngest dame or knight of the modern era.
